1 The Visit to University of the Third Age (U3A) in Brisbane & Melbourne (29 Nov to 5 Dec 03) Delegates from the EC: Mr WONG Hong Yuen, Peter (Leader) Prof CHAN Cheung Ming, Alfred Ms WONG Yiu Ming, Anita

2 An Outline  Participants list  Australian U3As in practice  Definitions/philosophy/origin of Australian U3As  Operations and the volunteer elements  Some examples  What to do next

3 N0.NamesOrganizationPosition 1.Ms. Alice LEE P.L.Caritas – Hong KongService Coordinator 2.Ms. Janice YUEN S.Y.Christian Family Service CentreSocial Work Supervisor 3.Ms. Caroline YUEN Y.K.Au Shue Hung Health Centre, Baptist HospitalExecutive Secretary 4.Mr. PONG Wai-ipHong Kong Christian ServiceGeneral Manager 5.Ms. Connie TSANG F.Y.The Hong Kong Society for the AgedDeputy Executive Director 6.Ms. Lada TAN H.M.Md. Wong Chan Sook Ying Memorial Care & Attention Home for the Aged Social Worker 7.Mr. SHUM Wai-chuenHong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare CouncilDistrict Director 8.Ms. CHAN Ying-yeeHong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest & Heart Diseases Association Assistant Executive Secretary 9.Ms. MA Hok-kaAsia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University Ph.D Candidate /Project Officer 10.Ms. Angela LEUNG Y.M.Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional & Continuing Education, The Open University of Hong Kong Lecturer 11.Ms. YUEN Chui-haRadio Television Hong KongProgramme Officer, (Radio 5) 12.Ms. SO Ka-manSocial Welfare DepartmentSWO(P/C)(TP/N) Other delegates:

4 The Australian U3As in practice  Different levels, same principles from interest classes housed in community halls or commercial buildings to formal curricula delivered in university campus all run by older volunteers, managed by a U3A management committee, governed by the same constitution low costs, Aus$20 for annual membership plus course fees for cost-recovery total autonomy, fully independent, participants ’ ownership

5 Definition and Origin of Australian U3A U3A strives for positive health benefits and productive ageing that can finally lead to successful aging (i.e. the Active Ageing concept)  University No entry requirements Free discussions between scholars and people who are interested in learning at any place and time  not a ‘ university ’

6 Definition and Origin of Australian U3A (Con ’ t)  Third age An age of active retirement (over 65) after the age of youth, work and home-making  University of Third Age (U3A) An intellectual-democratic learning environment involving teaching & learning activities/programs for the third age Based on the French (institutional) or/and British (community) models

7 Operation of Australian U3A  Formation & administration of U3A Management committee initiated and formed by a group of older persons (1-year term) A steering subgroup to see to logistics and course preparation Course manager(s) in charge of the co-ordination & quality assurance of courses Instructor does all: all preparations, administration and follow-up (e.g.calling those absent) Course promotion through grapevine and news- letter

8 Operation of Australian U3A (Con ’ t)  Course design & quality assurance: Management Committee. Course manager performs overall supervision over the quality assurance, and instructors are supposed to be professionals in specific courses. Teaching in small group tutorials (10- 15). Close interactions, build up friendship networks Learners ’ evaluation. Students will drop out if courses are not good. Lower admission rates may show poorer course quality or real demand

9 Operation of Australian U3A (Con ’ t)  Curriculum Design Learner-driven, teacher-students negotiated Interest-based, non-vocational and care- free, mainly for leisure, no examinations In groups of From skills intensive to contemporary issues to academic On weekly basis, total 6-8 weeks All places can be venues for classes, including instructor ’ s own home

10 Operation of Australian U3A (Con ’ t)  Financial Arrangement: Rental fee is low or supported by local government Expenditure is kept to a minimum since U3A is operated all on volunteer efforts, no instructor’s fees Incomes from annual fees & course fees, occasionally from donations (e.g.computers) U3A Network in Melbourne: partly funded by the Victoria government

11 Volunteer Element in Australian U3A  Learning: voluntary & for leisure  Teaching: voluntary & for pleasure  Finance: pooled resources among members, occasional support from other people & government  Management: voluntary, independent, & run by the retired persons

12 Some Examples  Maningham U3A, Brisbane, using village halls. Local government promised to build a purpose-built U3A complex  Nunawarding U3A, Melbourne, using shopping arcade space. Sponsored to run computer courses  U. of Sunshine Coast, using university campus for more sophisticated courses  Odyssey Travel LtD, strictly commercial venture, using retired academics as field trip leaders. Profits to subsidize some tours & to fund related research

13 What to do next  Further refinements to the draft report  Open discussions and consultations with stake-holders, including relevant government departments  Long-term - establishment of an independent umbrella group to promote lifelong learning by older persons themselves